| Asin | B01CHB1Y22 |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12"D x 14.25"W x 4.5"H |
| Weight | 7.28 Pounds |
| Manufacturer | Nuwave |
Countertop Burners
Nuwave Gold Precision Induction Cooktop, Portable, Powerful with Large 8” Heating Coil,100°F to 575°F, 3 Wattage Settings, 12” Heat-Resistant Cooking Surface
$4.20
Andrew Bean –
This review is for the NuWave Gold Precision Induction Cook-top (PIC).
I received the unit in excellent condition; no visible damage to external packaging and it arrived on the scheduled date; excellent work NuWave/Amazon. I unpacked the NuWave and reviewed the instructions. Other than the slight odor from the first few uses, as is stated in manual, I have had no problems with the unit so far.
I have to say the NuWave Gold PIC is by far so much easier to control the cooking process than the almost new Frigidaire gas range that came with my current home. While that range has control knobs that rotate from Off, Lite, Hi, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and Lo over 195 degrees of rotation; Hi to Lo only covers 115 degrees and only the last 15-20 degrees (2 to Lo) makes any change in the burner flame. My local gas supplier confirmed this is very common for consumer gas ranges. The NuWave is much more like using an electric range such as the GE model I had in my previous home; back when I enjoyed cooking. The last 20+ years, cooking has been more of a chore. Not anymore. I can hardly wait for the next chance to use the NuWave. Plus, given the recent news about home air quality and natural gas ranges potentially going away; I decided it was time to try induction. Since receiving the NuWave my existing gas range has literally become additional counter-space as I haven’t used its cook-top at all.
Although I saw a number of reviews indicating the keyboard cover deteriorates over time/use; the features and price put the NuWave Gold at top of my list. I’m hoping this problem doesn’t show up for several years of use. It would be great if NuWave made the PIC with a better or user replaceable keyboard cover; but that’s not offered at this time.
I selected the NuWave Gold primarily because it offered the larger cooking surface (I frequently use 7” and larger cookware) compared to other induction units AND more importantly it had 10 degree temperature adjustments. Others I looked into typically had 20 or so settings for cooking and a lot of reviewers grumbled about that; NuWave Gold (and Flex) has around 50. Granted the NuWave Gold does have 6 predetermined temperature settings; but all can be adjusted via the +/- buttons. I have noticed that all but the low preset button will initially display an xx5 temperature value and the 5F part will be dropped once a +/- button is pressed. After that, the display will show temperature by 10’s until a setting other than low is again selected. I was so pleased with cooking my first batch of bacon on the NuWave. I started on the Medium selection; but the sizzle was bit too fast. I lowered the temp by 20 degrees and had a wonderful cooking temp that made near perfect bacon.
The built-in count-down timer is an excellent feature. It is so convenient to adjust the time so the NuWave will shut down after my preset cooking time is complete. However, I haven’t quite figured out how to apply the programmable feature. I understand how to use it; but there’s no way to tell if the food has come to a boil or reached a required cooking temp. Or when it’s time to reduce the heat and simmer or stay warm. My best guess, since there’s no temperature probe like with my microwave, is that you have to monitor a prior cooking process once or twice and record the time it takes. Hopefully your cookware selection and recipe volume doesn’t vary by much so that the time you learn works out properly. Plus the program is deleted once power is removed from the NuWave. It would be great to have them remain; especially if could enter say up to ten different user programs.
In anticipation of the NuWave, I also purchased new cookware set. A Tramontina HA aluminum, induction ready, ceramic coated set, with insulated handles. It’s a beautiful cookware set; but when I started using them on the NuWave they didn’t seem to heat up very quickly. Performance was similar to using my old Pampered Chef HA aluminum non-induction cookware on the gas range. Fast heating is supposed to be one of the key benefits of induction cooking. So I set up a comparison with my old stainless cookware that readily passed the magnet test. To compare each piece of cookware, I placed a one inch depth of fresh tap water in the pot/pan with a starting temp ~ 55-60F. I then used a Fluke 87 Mark V multimeter with a type K thermocouple for the temperature measurements. The thermocouple rested in the upper 1/4” of the water in the center of the pan. I used a Poniie PN1500 energy monitor for the wattage readings. All tests used the NuWave on it’s maximum “Sear” setting. Time was measured using the countdown feature of the NuWave. The SS dia column refers to the stainless diameter on the bottom of the pot/pan in inches; a similar inch measurement was made for the overall bottom diameter. Obviously the volume of water in each pan varied; but notice the consistency in the heating times and how the wattage reduced according to SS dia. Test results are as follows:
Vessel Manu SS dia Bottom diameter Wattage Mins to 180F Water Vol
1.5qt sauce Tra 4-7/8 5-3/16 536-573 7+ 1.5c
3qt sauce Tra 5-1/8 6-1/2 745-771 7+ 2.5c
4.5qt saute’ Tra 8-1/8 9/1/4 1200-1256 7+ 5.75c
5qt dutch Tra 6-3/8 7-3/4 1065-1118 6+ 3.75c
8” skillet Tra 5-1/8 6 705-748 8+ 2.75c
10” skillet Tra 5-13/16 7 955-1014 7+ 4c
1/2qt sauce Unk 3-3/4 NA 785-818 2+ 1c
1qt sauce Unk 4-1/2 NA 964-972 2+ 1.5c
2qt sauce Unk 6 NA 1225-1248 2+ 2.25c
4qt pot Unk 7-1/2 NA 1417-1468 3+ 3.5c
5qt dutch Unk 8-1/4 NA 1501-1530 4+ 4c
8.75” skillet Unk 7-1/2 NA 1487-1505 3+ 3.75c
11” sq griddle Green NA 10-1/2 1305-1345 4+ 3c
My old stainless set dated from 1980’s and was simply marked “stainless Korea” on the bottom. They appeared to be made from 20 gauge material and are fairly light weight pots/pans. I also recently purchased a GreenPan griddle with it’s Magneto induction coating and added it to the results. However it could not be filled with 1” layer of water – about 3/8” was all it would hold.
Notice how much lower the wattage is and the longer heating times on the Tramontina cookware compared to a similar size SS diameter stainless item. Clearly the very thin “holey” SS bottom panel is not designed for optimum heat transfer on the Tramontina cookware. This was confirmed via discussion with a NuWave representative – thicker SS will work far better. My magnet test also confirmed the Tramontina cookware had a much weaker “pull” vs the old SS cookware. While the GreenPan griddle also had a somewhat weak magnetic “pull”, it’s Magneto performance was clearly much better than the Tramontina cookware design. The data clearly shows how well the NuWave PIC is protecting itself with the smaller size cookware and their poorer induction power absorption by reducing output power. What struck me odd is, as the volumes of water varied with each piece, the heating times remained relatively constant within the same cookware sets.
While the commonly used “induction compatible” or “induction ready” statements by manufacturers are true; they are clearly not always the most efficient design to use with induction cooking. I’d like to see a “induction optimized” marking for cookware that gets the most efficiency out of induction heating. This “induction optimized” cookware should work as well and heat as fast as good stainless performs on an induction cook-top (consumer testing labs are you reading this?) My takeaway from all this testing is that you should buy good heavy stainless cookware with a strong magnetic attraction for use with the NuWave. The NuWave will perform it’s best with that type of cookware; and make you much happier using it.
One other thing I’ll mention. The NuWave Gold model is fairly large and uses a good bit of counter-space. So when it is not in use, I created a simple wooden stand to hold the unit vertically on it’s back edge (see pics). Most wall cabinets are 16” above the counter-top and the Gold will fit nicely at the back of the counter when standing vertical. Please note; NuWave does not offer any stand like I’m describing. I used two 3-1/2 x 8 x 3/4” wood pieces for front and back of the stand. The NuWave Gold uses a 12-3/8” diameter for the 1” thick top section and a 12” diameter for the 1-5/8” thick main body down to the counter-top. I added an extra 1/16” to these two thicker measurements for a felt liner in my stand design. Both of these thick wood pieces were cut from a 3-1/2 x 3-1/2 x 8”. The larger diameter arc was centered 1/2” in from the bottom edge of the 1-1/16” piece. The smaller diameter arc was centered 11/16” in from the bottom edge of the 1-11/16” piece. Arcs were cut on a band saw. The three thinner pieces (two 3/4” pieces and the 1-1/16” piece) were then squared up as a complete assembly; thru holes marked/drilled into these, 3/4” in from ends and 3/4” up from the bottom . One of the 3/4” front/back pieces accepts 1-1/4” long wood screws securing it to the 1-11/16 piece. I used 2-1/2” long wood screws to secure the remaining 3/4” front/back piece thru the 1-1/16” piece and into the 1-11/16 from the opposite side. Felt pieces were cut to fit the stand interior sides and bottom (curved pieces). A spray adhesive was used to attach the felt to the inside of the stand. The stand is simple, stable, and secures the NuWave Gold very well. Hopefully my idea benefits your use of the NuWave and your counter-space.
In summary, I would absolutely buy the NuWave Gold again. I’m currently mulling over if I covered my range top with a piece of counter top; then I could buy a second Gold unit, make another stand, have two cook surfaces, and even more usable counter-space! My enjoyment for cooking has returned!
DVDmike –
There is a lot to like about this piece of equipment. But first, let’s go over the negatives. It’s pretty lightweight and can slide around your countertop if you are getting aggressive with your pan. It’s also noisy. This is something that I hadn’t figured. The noise comes entirely from a fan on the bottom. While the fan noise does serve as a constant reminder that the system is heating, I’d rather not have it. I can only assume that the fan is whisking away heat from the components inside and has not to do with the pan’s heat.
I can tell you that it gets your pan up to temperature faster than gas. And with temperature setting in 10° increments, you can obtain precision temperature which allows you to repeat cooking once you find the best temp for whatever you are cooking. While the temperature appears fairly consistent every time at a given setting, I’m not sure of the temperature’s accuracy, especially out to the edges of your pan. It’s definitely hotter in the center. And the wider the diameter the more temperature differential you’ll have between the center and outside.
Temperature settings make the user experience a dream. It’s so convenient, much more convenient than my gas stove I’ve been using for decades. If I only need one pot/pan to make a meal, I’ve found myself using this over my gas stove. But be mindful of where you place it. There is no exhaust fan over my counter.
Some of my pans do not work, amongst them is my largest pasta pot. But cast iron, including enamel coasted cast iron, carbon steel, and my newest hexclad pans all work perfectly. That being said, I have a lot of steel pans that will not work with induction. But they do work on gas obviously.
If you remove your pan from the surface for over a couple seconds, the heat will stop (fan stops too letting you know). If you are omelette flipper just by lifting the pan and flicking it, it will be more challenging for you depending how long the pan doesn’t have any contact. If the pan is not touching surface for long enough, it will error out and you will have to reenter your temperature setting and hit the start button. But this is not a huge inconvenience.
I consider this price of this unit well worth the money. There are far more expensive units. I have no idea what makes them worth the extra money because this unit is really good so far.
SAM GROVE –
It does the job without excess heat from a gas range. What’s missing? There’s no notification when the selected temperature is reached. I use it at 175° to prepare milk to make yogurt. No issue with boil over now.
Sandra –
I’ve never used induction before so this was pretty new to me. I love how much quicker it heats up the pans and the amount of control i have the temperature. The surface does stay hot for a little bit after you take the pan off but it doesn’t last long so it feels way safer than electric.
It is a little loud but its honestly about the same as range hood so i have no isseus with the noise.
I really like it a lot and i hope its lasts a long time.
J.S.R. –
This induction burner is nearly perfect. The temperature control is amazing with precise control versus some cheaper models. It’s super easy to control a light simmer for sauces. The only issue is that the control panel might not be as durable as I would hope, so I use care wiping it down. If you are looking for an induction burner, look no further.
rick9482 –
The Nuwave has a small footprint with a beautiful one piece surface that just wipes clean. Very nice! Temperature controls are exactly what I wanted. Frankly, it’s kind of perfect! Very, very easy to use.
At this price, there’s no reason not to have one in your kitchen.
I was using a Mr Induction for several years which was difficult to keep clean because of all the joints but it sold me on induction cooking even with its minimalist controls.
It’s still being sold in this form factor but really can’t compare to Nuwave products. Not even close!
km –
Pros:
Very precise heat control
I’m thinking it must be far more energy efficient, haven’t actually checked though
Bigtime plus…..For the porcelain coated cookware users, you will love that it doesn’t mark up the outside of your expensive pots and pans, no more black char to be cleaned off with ACID.
SPLATTER FACTORE, there isn’t any. I often fill the house with greasy smoke using a glass top electric. This is from the splatters of grease hitting the element and vaporizing. This doesn’t have that issue.
CONS:
Does not get as hot as I expected, it gets up to the temps that it states it will but apparently that’s not as hot as I thought. Specifically I’m thinking of my smash burgers that I like to pan fry and get crispy edges on. It will do that, just takes longer and unless you want a dried out smash burger you can’t do it one both sides.
Two more that I was fully aware of, designated cookware and the issue of lifting the pan off the surface (wake up call, if you sauté any, this is a bigger problem than your aware of).
Cappy –
When I put new marble countertops in my kitchen
I didn’t install a. Stove top
Only installed a oven
Left my counter top clear for other uses
I keep four of these plates inside my cabinet
I can use them inside the house
Outside the house
As hot plates to keep food warm in their containers
Can cover open containers with cloth insect screens without fear of fire breaking out
Best temperature control system I have ever used.
I leave my vacuum sealed steaks in 127 degrees water for 6 hours before searing on grill
The fat turns to tasty crunchy goodness
Best ever cooking invention ever
L. Roth –
I recently acquired a set of cookware that can be used on an induction stove (as well as gas and electric) – but I didn’t have an induction stove to try it on. I decided to order this one after considering price, power, cooking surface size, and price. To make a long story short, it works and works well.
The range of power settings at the push of a button makes it easy to switch between heat levels, and because it’s induction heating, the response is like turning a gas stove burner up or down – it’s very quick. The heating surface does not get hot when in use, other than from contact with the cooking pot or pan on it. When in operation, there is noise from a cooling fan, but it’s not too intrusive – at least I didn’t find it so.
The controls on the front panel are large enough to read clearly – a plus for someone in the age of bifocals. and relatively easy to understand. The safety features built into it are a plus.
I can think of several reasons to use one of these. It doesn’t draw a lot of power like a conventional electric stove. If and when our power goes out, it would be convenient to run off my portable generator. On the low power setting, it could be used to keep a dish of food warm, say in a buffet setup, food line, party, etc. Its size and weight make it reasonably portable.
Todd C Blake –
This NUWAVE Gold PIC works great! We recently purchased a new Frigidaire Gallery Induction Range from Lowe’s (which also works great!). Unfortunately, due to the current supply chain delays, we had to unexpectedly wait several weeks for the new range to be delivered by Lowe’s (beyond the original estimated delivery date). In the meantime, we had donated our current 5 year old Whirlpool Gas Range (which still worked well) to Habitat For Humanity, so we had no stove to cook with. Needing something to cook with temporarily, we purchased a NUWAVE Gold PIC. This appliance is amazing. The NUWAVE cooktop heats quickly, and the temperature is very accurate and easy to control. This NUWAVE cooktop also works great with the new Circulon Premier Professional Cookware set that we purchased specifically for the new Frigidaire Induction Range. The NUWAVE cooktop will quickly and evenly heat any “magnetic” Induction capable cookware, from 3 inches up to 12 inches in diameter. The timer feature on the NUWAVE cooktop is very handy, and the cooktop cleans up easily. The 3 wattage settings also make the NUWAVE cooktop very portable for outdoor use, camping or RVing. The NUWAVE cooktop is quiet (just a slight cooling fan noise) and light, so it is easy to relocate and store. The included 10.5 inch skillet works well (for now anyway), but it is pretty much an abuse and throw-away pan compared to the Circulon cookware that we use regularly. When we initially purchase the NUWAVE cooktop it was just meant to be a temporary way to cook, until the new Frigidaire Induction Range arrived. However, the NUWAVE cooktop works so well that it has become an “extra” stove burner for parties and holidays. We also use the NUWAVE cooktop if we want to cook something quickly (single pot meal), without using the big high-wattage range, and as a portable outdoor burner to compliment the BBQ. Normally, We are a bit apprehensive about purchasing gimmicky “As Seen On TV” or “Infomercial” products. However, after extensive research, and reading the many positive reviews, we decided to give the NUWAVE cooktop a try. We can honestly say that we are very impressed with the NUWAVE cooktop, and we highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a portable cooktop and/or trying an Induction cooktop for the first time. You definitely will not be disappointed with the NUWAVE Gold PIC.